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There is a certain type of kitchen that people instinctively admire. It looks well put together with thoughtful key pieces including great frying pans, coffee machines, chic farmhouse casserole dishes – none of which are competing for attention. The appliances don’t all match – yet the space still feels cohesive.
What’s more, you’ll often find it’s these kitchens that cost far less than you think.
I’ve been testing kitchen appliances and homewares for a long time. I’ve seen countless trends come and go and tested some of the best (and worst) items from as little £10 to close to £2,000.
If there’s one thing that’s become clear, it’s that buying the most expensive, flash, big brand product doesn’t always give you that chic kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.
Achieve that ‘got it sorted’ polished feel, without paying a premium.
Spending more does not automatically lead to a better-looking or better-functioning space. In fact, some of the most expensive, fashionable items are the ones that date the fastest and create the most visual (and sometimes physical) clutter.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds. You don’t need all matching appliances. And you certainly don’t need to replace appliances that already work perfectly well.
Below, I break down where I’ve found money is usually wasted in the kitchen, as some who has been reviewing kitchen products for 7+ years, as well as how you can achieve that ‘got it sorted’ polished feel, without paying a premium for it.
Coffee machines – is bigger always better?
A glossy coffee machine is often treated like a status symbol. The bigger and shinier it is, the more ‘premium’ the kitchen, right? How much you really need to spend on a coffee machine will depend on your circumstances, though.
In reality, bulky, high-end bean-to-cup coffee machines can dominate some worktops and make a space feel cluttered. Many also integrate complex brewing and interface systems that add cost without adding much benefit.
If you’re worried that a coffee machine will add too much visual noise to your kitchen, a simpler, well-designed coffee setup can more intentional and classy. Neutral colours, compact machines and uncluttered surfaces create a cleaner, calmer feel in the kitchen.
These are my recommendations for a more understand look, while still remaining functional and affordable.
A stylish yet simple and compact espresso machine that doesn’t require a small loan. This machine does require an additional ginder if you want to use whole beans but is otherwise complete for milk and espresso drinks.
Read more about our favourite models in our best coffee machine roundup.
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This technically is on the pricey side for a filter machine but it’s still not eye-watering so. It comes in a range of really classy colours too.
Read more about why we like this in our full Moccamaster review.
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This stainless steel, double wall french press features in our best roundup not only due to its size but because it made great filter coffee while keeping it hot for ages at a really good price. Looks sleek and stylish, perfect for that understated kitchen.
Read more in our best cafetiere roundup.
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John Lewis has an excellent collection of chic but affordable mugs that give that classic timeless feel. No fads, no trends, just simple farmhouse cotswolds style vibes.
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Pans – avoid the sets and be intentional
Matching pan sets are sold as the ultimate kitchen must-have but they rarely age well. Trend-led colours and coatings can quickly make a kitchen feel dated, especially when they start to wear.
Cookware should be practical and considered for the most stylish home
In testing, kitchens look more considered when cookware is practical rather than decorative. A small number of well-chosen pans stored neatly or kept out of sight creates a more streamlined, premium look.
Buying fewer, better pans also means you are not constantly replacing them, which is cheaper in the long run.
This uncoated stainless steel pan will never go out of fashion. It’s well made, looking ultra premium but won’t cost you the earth. Is it still expensive, yes but it’s not eye-wateringly so and it’s superb value for money.
It’s our favourite steel pan, which you can read more about in our best stainless steel pan roundup.
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I’m a big fan of ceramic cookware and particularly GreenPan. While it doesn’t last forever, ceramic is a great ‘non-toxic’ kitchen product material if you’re looking to minimise the amount on non-stick in your kitchen. I also think this pan looks really nice.
It’s a not boring but it also doesn’t follow any trends that could make it outdated, either. Read more about our pick of the best frying pans.
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Air fryers- useful but not decorative
Air fryers are useful, but they don’t exactly scream chic. Worst still, the air fryers as big as ovens can set you back close to £300.
Oversized, futuristic designs often clash with the rest of a kitchen and pull focus away from the rest of the room.
The kitchens that feel most expensive tend to treat air fryers as tools, not display pieces. Compact models, neutral finishes or simply storing them away when not in use instantly makes a space feel more polished.
You don’t need the biggest or most advanced model to get good results and by choosing something a little smaller, your kitchen will feel less cluttered and more polished.
Ninja’s latest compact model is really quite sleek and shouldn’t take up too much space on your kitchen worktop or draw the eye away from more important decor elements. Because it’s so small, it’s also easy to store away.
Read more about the air fryers we approve of in our best air fryer roundup.
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If the grey stainless steel or black air fryers really aren’t to your taste, I can also highly recommend the Wonder Oven. While this technically isn’t an air fryer, it functions in a very similar way and is very chic and stylish.
It also has a huge capacity while still somehow remaining very light and compact. Looks great on the workop or in the cupboard. A bit more expensive that some models but very much worth it.
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Knives – choose quality over quantity
Large knife blocks are another item often bought for appearance rather than necessity. They take up space and draw attention, even though most people use the same few knives day after day.
A couple of good chef’s knives and a bread knife, stored neatly in a drawer or on a subtle magnetic strip, looks far more stylish and premium than a block. It also avoids the cluttered, overfilled look that makes kitchens feel busy.
Quality is about comfort and balance, not how dramatic the knife looks and while I do think you should spend a little more on a knife, it doesn’t have to cost hundreds of pounds.
This 20cm Chef’s knife is a really great example of how you can spend less and get more from a product. It’s really versatile and also have a very chic, farmhouse look.
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Spend a little more and this is the Chef’s knife I recommend for a truly understated yet premium kitchen. Another versatile knife that will serve you very well if you look after it.
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Cutlery – simplicity is key
Cutlery is a small detail, but it has a big impact. Overly decorative or novelty designs can cheapen the look of a table, even if they were expensive to buy. I’ve mentioned before
If you don’t like classic shiny stainless steel, this stonewash option from John Lewis is my favourite pick. It’s a well weighted set with a timeless design. Perfect for a polished kitchen.
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Shiny stainless steel does still have its place in some kitchens, so if that is your preference, I would suggest a set like this from Oneida. Simple, elegant, affordable and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
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Simple, well-weighted cutlery in classic shapes tends to look timeless and quietly luxurious. It doesn’t need to match your appliances or your plates. In fact, mixing neutral pieces often looks far more considered.
